TWI staff members taste Courage Cold Brew at Snowing in Space Coffee on West Main Street.

The Women's Initiative knows how much courage it takes to reach out for mental health care. Snowing in Space Coffee Co does, too.

With that in mind, they have created a specialty roast just for us called COURAGE. Shares coffee bar manager Ashley Mauter, "As someone who has struggled with severe depression and addiction, I have known what it's like not to be able to get help. Whether it’s lack of insurance or resources, the end result is always the same; the suffering is the same for us all.”

Through the end of September, 10 percent of every cup, keg and bag sold will be donated to our agency. Their delicious coffee blend has notes of allspice, candied orange and baker's chocolate.

Courage Cold Brew is on tap at Snowing in Space located at 705 West Main Street in Charlottesville. You can also order whole beans or a keg of the cold brew through Snowing in Space.

Community support is what makes our work possible. So if you love coffee AND supporting a great cause, stop by Snowing in Space this summer!

The VOCA grant enables us to continue providing free, life-saving counseling and support groups to women who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse.

The Women’s Initiative has received a two-year grant for $367,436 annually to support our efforts to provide transformative mental health services for women who have experienced trauma, violence and abuse.

These federal funds, allocated to the state of Virginia through the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Victim Services Grant Program, will help local women gain freedom from debilitating mental health symptoms related to PTSD, depression and panic disorders.

Through one-on-one work with our therapists, women learn to reconnect with their deepest selves.

— Kerry Day, Director of Philanthropy

“The potential long-term effects of trauma on an individual’s physical and emotional health are well documented. That said, healing can and does happen. Through one-on-one work with our therapists, women learn to reconnect with their deepest selves, honor their resilience, foster essential social supports and develop appropriate coping skills,” said Kerry Day, Director of Philanthropy. “This VOCA grant serves as an important part of this transformation by enabling us to provide free, life-saving individual counseling and support group services to victims of crime.”

This generous grant is for the fiscal years of 2020 and 2021. The Women’s Initiative must secure a mandatory local match of $91,859.

TWI was first awarded a VOCA grant in late 2017 for an annual amount of approximately $100,000.

In announcing these new VOCA grants, Governor Ralph Northam named critical mental health treatment as one of the essential services for victims of crime. The Women’s Initiative’s mental health services regardless of ability to pay reach more than 4,000 women annually.

Over 90 percent of TWI clients are victims of crime, most commonly sexual assault and domestic violence. The prevalence of violence and abuse in women’s lives translates to greater mental health need: for example, women are twice as likely to develop an anxiety disorder compared to men. They also attempt suicide approximately twice as often.

It is The Women’s Initiative’s belief that women can recover and heal from traumatic experiences in their lives. We invite contributions from the community to help us reach our mandatory match to continue this important work. Donate today.

Watch a CBS19 News feature about how the VOCA grant will support the work of The Women’s Initiative here.

A gorgeous autumn day at Bellair Farm set the stage for an unforgettable 2018 Family Barn Party. Over 500 guests joined the fun and $118,000+ was raised in support of vital mental health care for women in need. Yeehaw! As volunteer Indigo Day shared, “It was epic.” Monica Prichard, Kristin Cory and Erika Jack’s talent and can-do leadership made all the difference. We thank our superb co-chairs, committee, volunteers, sponsors, in-kind vendors and supporters for their belief in our mission! Because of you, women in our community are finding renewed mental health and wellness.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or a volunteer for the 2019 Family Barn Party on Sunday, September 29? Contact Director of Philanthropy Kerry Day at (434) 872-0047 x103 or kday@thewomensinitiative.org.

The evening begins with a runway show at Old Metropolitan Hall on the Downtown Mall, and then continues down the block at Verdigris. Ticket sales and a percentage of proceeds benefit our vital mental health services for women.

"I am so pleased to partner with The Women's Initiative for this year's Fashion Show Benefit," said Mazi Vogler, owner of Verdigris. "As the mother of two young girls, I know it's important to support the invaluable service provided by The Women's Initiative. We all need help sometimes, and they aid women in our community regardless of their ability to pay for it. The Charlottesville that I live, work and raise my children in is strengthened by their important work. Because stronger women make a stronger community."

Albert Camus once wrote, “In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” For many of the women we serve—especially those struggling with depression, anxiety and trauma—this exemplifies the transformation that takes place when they seek services here. Support from people like you helps make this self discovery possible.

In 2017, we will reach more than 3,700 women. Following the tragic events of the summer, demand for our services is greater than ever. In response, we are increasing walk-in clinic offerings, hiring new therapists, and implementing additional outreach into some of our hardest hit neighborhoods. The road ahead is long, but our resolve to strengthen services, break down barriers to care and help women regain mental health has never been more determined.

We hope that you will consider making a gift as the year comes to a close and we wish you warmth, laughter and love during the holidays.